Page 159 of One Eye Open (The BlackWater)

“Alfred is just as much of a prick in real life as he was on the phone.”

“Huh, that good then?” Brandon said and Maddie took another gulp of her wine.

“At least the food was good.” Maddie said.

“Yeah the steak was good.” Cole said.

“And I’m sure the post fucking more than made up for it.” Brandon added as Maddie rolled her eyes.

“Did you….” She began but fell silent because she wasn’t sure if she wanted to know.

“Did I what Mads?” Brandon asked.

“How much did you see?” She said hoping against all hope that her boss hadn’t just seen her completely starkers.

“You mean did I see my cousin with his dick balls deep in you?” Brandon replied as she winced mortified. “Yeah I saw more than enough.”

“Urgh.” Maddie said downing her glass and pouring another. “What’s for dinner? Whose turn is it to cook?”

“Yours.” Both Brandon and Cole said.

“Though it looks like Cole’s already had his dessert.” Brandon added as Cole smirked.

“Fucking hell, are you gonna be making jokes all evening?” She asked.

“Until the image of you two naked on my rug is gone from my memory then yes I will be making jokes.” Brandon said. “Besides you’ll note you two haven’t stumble on any of my indiscretions have you?”

“Indiscretions?” Maddie laughed. “You mean you’ve fucked someone here, while we’ve been here?”

Brandon grinned. “Some of us can be more discreet Mads.”

“Urgh whatever. We’re getting takeaway.” Maddie stated pulling her phone out and searching for what places were nearby.

“So how was the father-in-law?” Brandon asked Cole quietly and he shot him a look.

“Don’t you bloody start.” He muttered.

“Why? What more did Alfred say?” Brandon asked.

“Only went on about me being a Lord and that I needed heirs…” He said glancing at Maddie but she seemed thankfully distracted.

“Sounds like our lot. Scarily like our lot.” Brandon stated.

Cole grunted. “He’s evidently got his sights fixed on us having children. On his grandchild being a Lord too.”

Brandon narrowed his eyes. “I didn’t think you wanted kids Cole.” He said carefully. They hadn’t spoken about it in years but then everything about Cole’s relationship with Maddie had surprised him. He never thought Cole would actually settle down. Maybe he’d changed his mind on kids too.

“It’s complicated.” Cole said.

“In what way?”

“Maddie can’t have kids.” Cole said meeting his eyes and Brandon blinked before looking over at her. She had her back to them, clearly unaware of their conversation as she no doubt ordered far too many dishes for them to actually eat.

“How come?” Brandon asked.

Cole winced. “She got stabbed when she was younger.” He said.

Brandon raised an eyebrow. “So it’s a complete no?”

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